What's next for the land around the National Infantry Museum?

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) - It is hard to miss crews working on a new Hampton Inn just across the parking lot from the National Infantry Museum in Columbus.

Signs show the hotel is opening up next year, and some sources say it could possibly be in a couple of months.

Ben Williams with the National Infantry Foundation says they think it will help bring even more people to the museum.

"We hope that it will. We certainly think that it will because of the close proximity to the museum. It is just at the other end of the parking lot. So, our facility will give them some place to go that is close by," said Williams.

However, Williams says that is not the only thing that could help boost numbers at the museum. The Foundation has been working with the Woodruff Development Company to sell about 60 acres of land here that will be called Patriot's Walk. The hotel sits on about two acres of that.

Williams says anything like apartments or offices could go in here, but right now, they are working on infrastructure.

"With the road, that we need to help develop the property. We are working closely with some other potential parties who are interested in some of the land there," said Williams.

Peter Bowden, President and CEO of the Columbus Convention and Visitor's Bureau, says the project could impact Columbus as a whole not just the museum.

"It's certainly going to be an impact on South Columbus, but it is going to be a feeder to all the other attractions like The Springer Opera House or the River Center. It will give those visitors that are staying in that area another reason to get out and explore Columbus.